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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEOPW OMNI CRA 2008-11-03 MinutesCity of Miami City Hall 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, FL 33133 www.miamigov.com Di • IN O9▪ IEP 19 1i? Meeting Minutes Monday, November 3, 2008 5:00 PM This meeting was rescheduled due to the lack of quorum at the October 27, 2008 meeting. THE ICE PALACE AT BIG TIME PRODUCTIONS 59 N.W. 14TH STREET MIAMI, FL. 33136 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Michelle Spence -Jones, Chair Marc David Sarnoff, Vice Chair Angel Gonzalez, Commissioner Joe Sanchez, Commissioner Tomas Regalado, Commissioner CRA OFFICE ADDRESS: 49 NW 5th ST, SUITE 100, Miami, FL 33128 Phone: (305) 679-6800, Fax: (305) 679-6835 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 ORDER OF THE DAY FINANCIALS Present: Commissioner Regalado, Chair Spence -Jones and Vice Chair Sarnoff Absent: Commissioner Gonzalez and Commissioner Sanchez On the 3rd day of November 2008, the Board of Directors of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) for the Southeast Overtown/Park West and Omni Districts of the City of Miami met in regular session at the Ice Palace (at Big Time Productions), 59 NW 14th Street, Miami, Florida. The meeting was called to order by Chair Michelle Spence -Jones at 5: 04 p.m. and was acjourned at 6:25 p.m. ALSO PRESENT: James H. Villacorta, Interim Executive Director, CRA Gail A. Dotson, Assistant General Counsel, CRA William R. Bloom, Special Counsel, CRA Pamela E. Burns, Assistant Clerk of the Board Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Like to officially call the meeting to order for Monday, November 3, for the Overtown CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency), Park West CRA, Omni CRA. We have a few items that we're going to quickly get through, but I just want to give you some quick updates. My understanding -- and Jim, you can correct me if I'm wrong -- item number 11 is being continued which is a discussion item, and item number 12 is also being continued. James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Correct. Chair Spence -Jones: Correct. And then we also have in this meeting -- we will adjourn the meeting after the first portion of the meeting and then call to order the Midtown CRA. So with that being said, we would like to go 'head [sic] and officially start the meeting. I'd like the record to reflect that there's two Commissioners not joining us, Commissioner Sanchez and Commissioner Gonzalez not joining us in this particular meeting. So we're going to go ahead and get started. 1. 08-01048 CRA REPORT FINANCIAL SUMMARY THROUGH MONTH ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2008. Financial Summary.pdf DISCUSSED Chair Spence -Jones: Start with Miguel first to give us a financial summary. Miguel Valentin: Good afternoon, Commissioners. Miguel Valentin, CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) financial officer. On page 1, we're having the combined statement of financial position as of September 30, 2008. Under the cash unrestricted category, we are disclosing the amount of 65,000 under Southeast Overtown/Park West, and under Omni, we're disclosing the amount of 100, 000. For the affordable workforce housing project, we have budgeted to date the amount of 5,843,142 has been budgeted for this purpose. Of this amount, 4,860,142 has been encumbered, and 1,652,194 has been expended, leaving an available balance of 983, 000. Also, I wanted to say that there is no reportable condition to report to the Board, and just to make aware the Board that the auditors, they are conducting the audit as we speak. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Thank you, Miguel. Any questions from the Board members? City of Miami Paget Printed on 11/18/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 Commissioner Regalado: I don't have a question. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. All right. Thank you very much, Miguel. RESOLUTIONS 2. 08-01206 CRA RESOLUTION A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE BOARDS OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST AND OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCIES AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO PIGGYBACK ON THE CITY OF MIAMI'S AGREEMENT WITH SHARP BUSINESS SYSTEMS, FOR THE LEASE OF A BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOCOPIER, INCLUDING MAINTENANCE AND SUPPLIES, FOR A PERIOD OF THREE (3) YEARS, WITH THE OPTION TO RENEW FOR ONE (1) ADDITIONAL YEAR, AT A BASE COST OF $4,384.67 PER YEAR, PLUS AN ALLOWANCE IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1,000.00 PER YEAR, AS REQUIRED, FOR EXCESS COPIES; FUNDS TO BE ALLOCATED FROM GENERAL OPERATING FUND, ENTITLED "RENTALS AND LEASES," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10030.920101.544000.0000.00000. Cover Memo.pdf Financial Form.pdf Backup.pdf Legislation.pdf Motion by Vice Chair Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 3 - Vice Chair Sarnoff, Chair Spence -Jones and Commissioner Regalado Absent: 2 - Commissioner Gonzalez and Commissioner Sanchez CRA-R-08-0052 Chair Spence -Jones: We'll move on to item number 2. Jim, I'm going to turn it over to you. James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 2 is joint resolution of the Boards of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West and Omni Redevelopment Community Redevelopment Agencies authorizing the executive director to piggyback on the City of Miami's agreement with Sharp Business Systems, for the lease of a black and white copier, including maintenance and supplies, for a period of three years, with the option to renew for one additional year, at a base cost of $4, 384 per year, plus an allowance in an amount not to exceed $1, 000 per year for excess copies. Chair Spence -Jones: And this is -- Vice Chair Sarnoff. So move. Chair Spence -Jones: Have a motion. Do we have a second? All in favor? The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Spence -Jones: All right. This item passes. City of Miami Page 3 Printed on 11/18, 2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 3. 08-01213 CRA RESOLUTION A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE BOARDS OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST AND OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCIES ("CRAS") AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO TRANSFER FUNDS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $15,000, TO THE BUDGET OF THE DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION FOR AUDIO AND RECORDING SERVICES TO BE RENDERED DURING FISCAL YEAR 2009, CONTINGENT UPON ANY UNUSED FUNDS BEING RETURNED TO THE CRAS AT THE END OF THE FOURTH QUARTER OF FISCAL YEAR 2009; FUNDS TO BE ALLOCATED FROM GENERAL OPERATING FUND, ENTITLED "INTERFUND TRANSFERS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10030.920101.891000.0000.00000. Cover Memo.pdf Financial Form.pdf Back-up.pdf Legislation.pdf Motion by Vice Chair Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 3 - Vice Chair Sarnoff, Chair Spence -Jones and Commissioner Regalado Absent: 2 - Commissioner Gonzalez and Commissioner Sanchez CRA-R-08-0053 Chair Spence -Jones: We're going to move on to item number 3. James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 3 is a joint resolution of the Boards of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West and Omni Redevelopment District Community Redevelopment Agencies authorizing the executive director to transfer funds, in an amount not to exceed $15, 000, to the budget of the Department of General Services Administration for audio and recording services to be rendered during the fiscal year 2009, contingent upon any unused funds being returned to the CRAs (Community Redevelopment Agencies) at the end of the fourth quarter of the fiscal year. Commissioner Sarnoff So moved. Chair Spence -Jones: Have a motion. Commissioner Regalado: Second. Chair Spence -Jones: All in favor? The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Spence -Jones: This item passes. 4. 08-01236 CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("CRA") AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE OF A WORK ORDER, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $17,000, TO ARROW ASPHALT & ENGINEERING, INC. FOR SEAL COATING AND RE -STRIPING OF PARKING City of Miami Page 4 Printed on 11/18/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 LOTS P-2, P-3, P-4, AND THE GRAND PROMENADE; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE; FUNDS TO BE ALLOCATED FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, ENTITLED "OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.534000.0000.00000. Cover Memo.pdf Financial Form.pdf Back-up.pdf Legislation.pdf Motion by Vice Chair Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 3 - Vice Chair Sarnoff, Chair Spence -Jones and Commissioner Regalado Absent: 2 - Commissioner Gonzalez and Commissioner Sanchez CRA-R-08-0054 Chair Spence -Jones: We move on to item number 4. James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item 4 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing issuance of a work order, in an amount not to exceed $17,000, to Arrow Asphalt & Engineering, Inc. for seal coating and restriping of parking lots P-2, P-3, P-4, and the Grand Promenade; and authorizing the executive director to execute all documents necessary for said purpose. Chair Spence -Jones: Any questions on this item? Do I have a motion? I just -- Vice Chair Sarnoff Where --? Chair Spence -Jones: I'm sorry. Go 'head [sic]. Vice Chair Sarnoff Where exactly is this, Jim? Mr. Villacorta: These are the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) parking lots along 3rd Avenue. Vice Chair Sarnoff My question was, where exactly were the parking lots, and I think I heard you. Mr. Villacorta: P-2 is located at 247 Northwest 12th Street, right off the -- Northwest 3rd Avenue on 12th Street. P-3 is 345 Northwest loth Street, right off of 3rd Avenue at loth Street, immediately north of Jackson Soul Food. P-4 is 262 Northwest loth Street, and that's right behind the Masonic Lodge off 3rd Avenue. And the Grand Promenade is a three -block expanse running behind the clubs on 11 th Street. Vice Chair Sarnoff All right. I'll make a motion. Chair Spence -Jones: I have a motion and a second. I do have a dis -- oh. Commissioner Regalado: Question. Jim, is this run by Miami Parking Authority? City of Miami Page 5 Printed on 11/18/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 Mr. Villacorta: No. Those lots are open to the public, free of charge. They -- Commissioner Regalado: So it's completely free? Mr. Villacorta: Yes. They were built by the CRA a number of years ago and have been maintained by the CRA at our expense. We obtained four bids for this, and this is the low bidder. Commissioner Regalado: Are they being used? Mr. Villacorta: Yes. P-3 is usually three-quarters full. It's used by the residents of New Arena Square Apartments, who are on the east side of Northwest 3rd Avenue at 10th Street. The Masonic Lodge -- the lot behind the Masonic Lodge is used by the public, also by New Arena Square residents. Commissioner Regalado: Okay. Chair Spence -Jones: I just have a comment before we get a motion or -- well, I know we have a motion. But just quickly on P-2. P-2 is the lot that we've already put out for bid correct? Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: And I know it's going to take a while before we get to that point, right? Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. We still have to make an award under that RFP (Request for Proposals), and you know, they'll have to finish their construction drawings and get permits, so it could be -- Chair Spence -Jones: So, really, the purpose of it -- I just want to be clear -- and also, P-3, the same thing, I believe, right? Mr. Villacorta: P-3, yes, the contractor is in his -- or the developer is in his due diligence phase and -- Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Villacorta: -- will then close on the property and have to prepare plans and -- Chair Spence -Jones: Right. Mr. Villacorta: -- obtain permits. Chair Spence -Jones: So the -- just so that I'm clear, the reason why we're restriping these parking lots right now is because they need to be -- they haven't been upgraded or painted or anything since they've been put there. Mr. Villacorta: No, since they were built -- Chair Spence -Jones: Yeah. So it's really -- Mr. Villacorta: -- in 2000. Chair Spence -Jones: -- to kind of just beaut it to make the area -- make the parking lots look better than what they're looking, correct? Mr. Villacorta: It's the CRA maintaining its properties in the manner we'd expect everyone else in the neighborhood to maintain theirs. City of Miami Page 6 Printed on 11/18/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 Chair Spence -Jones: No problem. I just want to be clear. So we had a motion, and do we have a second? Commissioner Regalado: Yeah. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. All in favor? The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Spence -Jones: All right. This item passes. Is it me or is it a little warm in here? Could be just me. Vice Chair Sarnoff. It's icy over here. Chair Spence -Jones: Oh, okay. Vice Chair Sarnoff. Could be just you. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Could be. It's two of us. 5. 08-00941 CRA RESOLUTION A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE BOARDS OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST AND OMNI REDEVLOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCIES AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $10,000, FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF HOLIDAY BANNERS ON STREET LIGHT POLES THROUGHOUT THE REDEVELOPMENT AREAS; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE; ALLOCATING FUNDS AS FOLLOWS: $5,000 FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, ENTITLED "OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.534000.0000.00000, AND $5,000 FROM OMNI TAX INCREMENT FUND, ENTITLED "OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10040.920101.534000.0000.00000. Cover Memo.pdf Financial Form.pdf Legislation.pdf Motion by Vice Chair Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 3 - Vice Chair Sarnoff, Chair Spence -Jones and Commissioner Regalado Absent: 2 - Commissioner Gonzalez and Commissioner Sanchez CRA-R-08-0055 Note for the Record: The Board made a recommendation to Vice Chair Sarnoff, a sitting board member of the Performing Arts Center, to solicit assistance from the Performing Arts Center with decorations for the entire Community Redevelopment Agency area. Chair Spence -Jones: All right. We're going to move to item number S. James H Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 5 is a joint resolution of the Boards of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park City of Miami Page 7 Printed on 11/18, 2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 West and Omni Redevelopment District Community Redevelopment Agencies authorizing the expenditure of funds, in an amount not to exceed $10, 000, for the purchase and installation of holiday banners on streetlight poles throughout the redevelopment areas. Vice Chair Sarnoff So moved. Chair Spence -Jones: We had a motion. Commissioner Regalado: Second. Question. Chair Spence -Jones: Motion and a second. Discussion. Commissioner Regalado: Jim, what would these banners say? Mr. Villacorta: `Happy Holidays, City of Miami Community Redevelopment Agency," and then they're branded for Overtown, Park West, and Omni. Commissioner Regalado: And around the Performing Arts, are they going to do their own? Chair Spence -Jones: You should have copies of the -- Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: -- banners on the inside. Do you have a copy of it? Commissioner Regalado: No, but I'm just asking because -- Mr. Villacorta: We haven't discussed the inside of the Performing Arts block because they usually have their own banners for events that are coming, but I'm certain we'll coordinate this with them as we start to roll these out. Commissioner Regalado: No. I'm just asking because -- I mean, the Performing Art [sic] had a good year; that's what they say, right? I think that they should take care of the banners of the whole Omni area, and even the Park West and the Overtown. And the reason I'm saying this is because we're partners. They're having a good year. They can even promote their -- with their name and also just include the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency). Mind you, I don't think that these banners -- will the County allow it? Because, you know, it was a resolution that said that any time that CRA signs or banners are posted, they need to include the name of the Mayors and County Commission. Mr. Villacorta: I think they were referring to signs for projects. Chair Spence -Jones: Yeah. Commissioner Regalado: And banners. They -- Chair Spence -Jones: I thought it was the sign -- definitely, I know it was for the project signs, and we are now including them on some of our signs, the new signs that we create, but not for street banners, though. Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. Commissioner Regalado: The -- okay. What I'm saying this is I think that they should do more for us, and I think that -- and I'm all for banners. I think it's -- you need to have the spirit after all these weeks of commotion with the economy and people are stressed out, and you need that. City of Miami Page 8 Printed on 11/18/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 But I think that if we get $10,000, can we just place beautiful Christmas trees in these parking lots of the area? Can we place more Christmas -type throughout the area other than banners with $10, 000? I know it's little, but I'm just saying that the folks from the Performing Arts should give us a hand here, but I will vote for it. Chair Spence -Jones: Now I just want to be clear. This is also -- this is something I know in the beginning, Commissioner Regalado, that you were pushing for supporting that we needed to have -- Commissioner Regalado: Yeah, yeah. Chair Spence -Jones: -- something visual happening for the holidays, and I know Jim was trying last year to make it happen and somehow we weren't able to get these banners done, but this year they were able to finally get something created for all three of the areas. I think that it's a good suggestion, you know, to reach out to the Performing Arts Center to see what additional things that they can do. I would rather them pay for the lights or those wreaths or those kind of things that you're asking for than to pay for the banners because that, quite frankly, would be a little bit more expensive than the banners. Commissioner Regalado: Yes, but -- Chair Spence -Jones: So we should reach out to them to help us with that, but I don't -- Commissioner Regalado: That's what I'm saying, that we should seek help from the Performing Arts in order for them -- they need that. They also need their -- the Christmas -- they're going to have a lot of Christmas show, but the question is why should we be less than Miracle Mile, you know, in terms of lights and all that. I'm sure that DDA (Downtown Development Authority) is going to -- I don't know what they're going to do, but DDA is going to have lights or something. They're going to spend some money. I'm just saying, you know, that it's nice -- this is very nice, although not too many people will have money to buy their gift, but I will vote for it. Just a thought. Chair Spence -Jones: So, Commissioner Regalado, we definitely want to hear you all the way out. So are you asking Jim to, perhaps, reach out to them to help us with ornaments and other items for the --? I just -- I can see them doing it maybe perhaps around the Performing Arts Center, but I doubt very seriously they're going to reach beyond the railroad tracks. We can reach out to them to see if they will. And even in certain parts of the Omni, I don't really see them going on Bayshore Drive, but I mean, we can make the recommendation. Is there anybody from the Performing Arts Center here today? Vice Chair Sarnoff Well, I'm -- Chair Spence -Jones: Normally. Vice Chair Sarnoff -- on the board of directors. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Vice Chair Sarnoff So why don't I converse with them and ask them -- and just tell me what your preference is. I mean, if your preference is for lighting, if your preference is for something else, you know, I'll be more than glad to bring that out to them. I'm sure, you know, that they want to do something for the neighborhood 'cause they've had a very successful year because of all their hard work, and you know, it's been a good year because they brought so many people to the Performing Arts Center this year. I think they're over -- if I'm not mistaken, it's a half million people visited this year, and next year they're anticipating 600, 000 people. So I think they would City of Miami Page Printed on 11/18/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 more than want to show their appreciation for everything that the Omni CRA has done for them, as well as Southeast Overtown/Park West. So I'd be more than glad to carry to the board of directors and to the director over there. I think the new one is John Johnson, and I think he starts December 1, and I think they'd be more than welcome -- or I think they would welcome the opportunity to do whatever this Board would like to designate. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. So -- Commissioner Regalado: I think so too, and -- Chair Spence -Jones: Can we ask them for the lights and ornaments 'cause I think that that would be -- Commissioner Regalado: Yeah. Chair Spence -Jones: -- much bigger -- Vice Chair Sarnoff Sure. Commissioner Regalado: Lights and ornament, they can do it; they have money. Which brings me to this, I think that I am very proud to have a sitting City Commissioner in the board of the Performing Art [sic], and Michelle couldn't make it so she appointed somebody else. I'm -- and I'm very happy that the City appointee is the chairperson. But the question is, why does the County wants to eliminate the board of trustees? Vice Chair Sarnoff The way it was explained at the board of directors meeting is they no longer perform a function, that it's now the board of directors that perform that function. That's the way it was described. Commissioner Regalado: But like you won't be able to sit there? Vice Chair Sarnoff No, no, no. There -- we are on the board of directors. There are two different entities that exist -- Commissioner Regalado: The Trust. Vice Chair Sarnoff -- one of them -- the Trust -- and I don't remember which one was -- as I sit here, I think it was the Trust that was done away with, but the board of directors still exists, and that has many different elected officials from Mattie Bower to various groups in -- you know, and citizens in the City of Miami. Commissioner Regalado: I mean -- Vice Chair Sarnoff That wasn't done away with. Commissioner Regalado: No. As long as we have you and representative of the City -- I mean, because we're part of it. Vice Chair Sarnoff Absolutely. Chair Spence -Jones: Yeah, and he's saying that's not changing. Vice Chair Sarnoff No. That aspect's not changing. There was an entity that no longer performed any functions. And if anybody remembers if it was the Trust versus the board of directors, it was an entity that was developed ifI'm not mistaken, Commissioner -- City of Miami Page 10 Printed on 11/18/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 Commissioner Regalado: In '84. Vice Chair Sarnoff. Yeah, back in the '80s. Commissioner Regalado: Yeah, I remember. Okay. Chair Spence -Jones: All right. We had a motion and a second on the item for the holiday banners, but we do have also recommendation by the Board to Commissioner Sarnoff, which is the -- one of the sitting board members for the Performing Arts Center to see if there's any way possible that they can assist with decorations for the entire CRA. And I guess -- when is your next meeting, Commissioner Sarnoff? Vice Chair Sarnoff. I won't do it through a meeting. I'll contact them directly. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay, no problem. So I guess you'll just let Jim know. Vice Chair Sarnoff. I will let Jim know. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. All right. We're going to move on to item number 5 -- 6. Mr. Villacorta: Did we vote? Pamela E. Burns (Assistant Clerk of the Board): Excuse me, Madam Chair. We need a vote. Chair Spence -Jones: Oh. I had a motion and a second. All in favor? The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Spence -Jones: The item passes. 6. 08-01171 CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY RATIFYING THE ISSUANCE OF A WORK ORDER TO CHEROKEE ENTERPRISES INC., IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $15,000, FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF A PHASE I AND II ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT OF THE BUILDING AT 1201-1221 N.W. 3RD AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA; FUNDS TO BE ALLOCATED FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, ENTITLED "OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.534000.0000.00000. Cover Memo.pdf Financial Form.pdf Back-up.pdf Legislation.pdf Motion by Chair Spence -Jones, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 2 - Chair Spence -Jones and Commissioner Regalado Noes: 1 - Vice Chair Sarnoff Absent: 2 - Commissioner Gonzalez and Commissioner Sanchez CRA-R-08-0056 City of Miami Page 11 Printed on 11/18, 2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 6 is a resolution of the Board of Directors [sic] of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency rating the issuance of a work order to Cherokee Enterprises, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $15, 000, for the performance of a Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessment of the building at 1201 to 1221 Northwest 3rd Avenue. This is the building that the Board had previously authorized myself to proceed with purchasing, and the environmental site assessment was necessitated because there was previously a funeral home and a dry cleaners on the site. Chair Spence -Jones: And if I can also add too just quickly, this is also the area where we're looking at putting a state-of-the-art library in partnership with Miami -Dade County. We have a smaller library, unfortunately, in Overtown that really needs to be expanded for the people that live in Overtown, so this would allow for us to have more space, along with additional, I guess -- Mr. Villacorta: Housing. Chair Spence -Jones: -- housing that would be included, but the most important thing for me is that the children of Overtown really need to have a decent library, so this would be a part of that whole new redevelopment that we're going to do on 3rd Avenue, correct, Jim? Mr. Villacorta: And -- yes -- we've met with Miami -Dade County's Library Systems and they're excited about having a new space across the street from Gibson Park. Chair Spence -Jones: And this would also give us more space in Gibson. One of the issues that we're having, I think, and that we do have in Overtown is not having enough green space and trees in the Overtown area, so now we'll be able to have more space at the park to be able to accommodate that because we no longer have that little mini library that will be there in that space. So I don't know if you have any questions or comments on -- Mr. Villacorta: Need a second. Chair Spence -Jones: -- the library or on the -- Commissioner Regalado: No. I think -- Chair Spence -Jones: Did we have a mo -- do we have a motion? Pamela E. Burns (Assistant Clerk of the Board: We don't have -- Chair Spence -Jones: No, we don't have a motion. Ms. Burns: No, we do not. Commissioner Regalado: I'll move it. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Vice Chair Sarnoff I got the chair. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Second. I'd like to second. Commissioner Regalado: Then you move it. Then the Chair move; I'll second it. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. City of Miami Page 12 Printed on 11/18/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 Commissioner Regalado: I just think -- they have -- on 2004, there was a bond issue, the GOB (General Obligation Bond) bond that included libraries, and they haven't used that money at all. So are they going to -- do they have any plans for the areas? Mr. Villacorta: We've just had a preliminary discussion with Miami -Dade County whether they would be open to the idea of moving the library into a new space. They were excited about doing that. We haven't finished acquiring this property. That's what this is about, was doing the environmental study to make sure the lot wasn't polluted. We would then -- Chair Spence -Jones: But -- not to cut you off, Jim, but to answer his question, he wants to know if money was in the GOB set aside for libraries or libraries within the area, and to my understanding, the existing library that's there, which is a smaller library, did have money for upgrades and those kind of things already, but now what we're looking at telling them is to halt on spending those dollars and let's look at really putting into a project that really makes sense for the neighborhood. Mr. Villacorta: Yes. They did indicate that they had money to -- Chair Spence -Jones: Rehab it. Mr. Villacorta: -- rehab the existing library. And they were interested in applying those funds towards a new space. Commissioner Regalado: They already have done the grand opening of two new libraries, one in South Dade, one in West Dade, and they're rebuilding -- actually, they're building completely the Shenandoah Library, so they do have bond money. Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. They definitely do. And if I'm not mistaken, this is -- in my district, in District 5, just in general, this would be the first library that -- Commissioner Regalado: That's what I'm saying. Chair Spence -Jones: I don't have any other libraries at all, no new libraries. This will be the only new library that I have. We were trying to work on getting the same thing done in Little Haiti, trying to get them a new library, but unfortunately, it's not moving like it should but this particular project seems like it would move pretty quickly, so I mean, I really would like for the kids in Overtown to have a decent library. Did -- I think -- Mr. Villacorta: We need to vote. Vice Chair Sarnoff No. This -- Chair Spence -Jones: Well, you're chairing. Vice Chair Sarnoff Yeah. Commissioner Regalado: You move it -- Vice Chair Sarnoff You moved it. Commissioner Regalado: -- I second it. Vice Chair Sarnojf Right. City of Miami Page 13 Printed on 11/18/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 Commissioner Regalado: Now we vote it. Vice Chair Sarnoff.- Right. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: So all in favor. Ms. Burns: Excuse me. Chair Spence -Jones: You're chairing now though. Chair Spence -Jones: Right. Oh, I'm sorry. All in favor? Vice Chair Sarnoff.- And let me just say why I'm voting no. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Vice Chair Sarnoff First off, I agree with everything that Commissioner Spence -Jones says with regard to what you can do with this property. The place that I differ with my fellow board members and Commissioners is how to acquire this property -- I sent out an LSR, a legal service request, to the City Attorney back in September -- could be acquired for $465, 000, yet we choose to, as a board acquire this property today for $565, 000 to expedite a process. I can suggest to you that the foreclosure process would take in the neighborhood of four to six months and would achieve a building $100, 000 to the taxpayers for the City of Miami. I think it's in these days and these times that we have got to consider using taxpayer dollars for more considerate measure than we have in the past, and we could have saved the citizens of Miami $100,000 had we just allowed the foreclosure proceeding to occur. This is borne out by a memorandum from the City Attorney to Pete Hernandez on September 5, 2008. And I don't think that this Board should continue to make -- or we should certainly not make $100,000 mistakes. And while I hear the Commissioner wanting to get this thing moving, I do understand that, but I think the end of the day we would be better suited to save this CRA $100, 000 than we would be to move forward on a more expedited basis. That -- I'm just explaining my reason for the vote "no." I'm also proud to tell you that I think a library that you and I will likely share, the Dorsey Library, is -- Chair Spence -Jones: Yeah. Vice Chair Sarnoff -- will be accomplished in the very near future, but I do understand your desire to get this moving, and I don't want to suggest in any shape -- way, shape, or form that I don't agree with her end goals. I just disagree how to get there at the cost of the taxpayers for an additional $100,000. Chair Spence -Jones: And let me just add -- and yes, we are going to have a historic, smaller library in the Dorsey Library, but again, I'm sure you've seen the facility because in the beginning it was actually in my district. It's very tiny. We're talking about really a state-of-the-art library in the heart of Overtown that will provide more services beyond library services, which is really needed for the residents of Overtown. And to my understanding, this was recommended by the staff -- and I want Jim to at least officially put on the record why the suggestion was made to actually go 'head [sic] and purchase the building. I do know I see my NET (Neighborhood Enhancement Team) director here. I don't know where Loren is. This building has been a -- an eyesore, has been a real issue in the heart of Overtown. There's a lot of drug activity that's happening within this building. You can drive behind it right now and see people shooting up all day long in it. It's a building that, quite frankly, as soon as we can knock it down, you know, for us, will eliminate a lot of issues that we're having right there on 3rd Avenue, right across the street from where our kids play every single day in the heart of Overtown at Gibson Park. And this is the building -- Loren, I'm sure you know what I'm speaking of Loren, which you -- we all have complained about over and over again. If things City of Miami Page 14 Printed on 11/18/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 could move a lot faster, I would support it 100 percent, but to my understanding, it was recommended by staff that this is something that needed to move pretty quickly and that the process will take a lot longer. So if you want to -- could you please officially put that on the record? Because I'm sure none of us, none of the Commissioners sitting up here, have any intentions of misusing or mishandling any money. If we have the additional money to use it for something else, we definitely want to be able to do that, but I think it's important for you to put the facts on the record. Mr. Villacorta: Yes. As stated, when the Board voted to approve the purchase of this property, the foreclosure action was anticipated to take longer than the four to six months. The memo also talks that acquisition of the parcel would cost upwards of $465,000 once all the fees and related charges were taken into account. I'm personally aware of other properties that the City has tried to foreclose on where the action has gone on for more than one year -- more than two years and -- without resolution. The NET officer for the area came in and said what a blighting influence this building had on the area. It's right across from the children's park there, Gibson Park, and Frederick Douglass Elementary. It seemed the most expeditious course of action was to acquire the property and remove the element that's taken over that building. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Vice Chair Sarnoff Well -- Madam Chair. Chair Spence -Jones: Sure. Vice Chair Sarnoff The fact that we, as a city, allowed $208,500 in liens to accrue is shame on us. We could have started this foreclosure proceeding -- at 100, 000, you could have start a foreclosure at $50, 000. The point is that the additional cost that Jim is talking about is $265. So it would have cost us $265 to foreclose on a $465, 000 first mortgage. I just think that this City has got to be more careful with its taxpayers' dollars, and there is no reason why, from September 5 to this date, we didn't start this proceeding because we would have been three or two months ahead of ourselves, and we've got to make better judgment calls with taxpayer dollars. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Any other comments on this issue? Mr. Villacorta: Could I just mention that we are getting it for less than the appraised for taxes -- assessed for taxes value. And -- I mean, it's a little difficult -- I mean, the CRA and the City are separate entities, and you know, we cajole Code Enforcement and the City Administration. I know you're aware of other properties that are burned -out -- Chair Spence -Jones: Yeah. I don't even want to -- Mr. Villacorta: -- eyesores that we just can't -- Chair Spence -Jones: -- and that's why I'm really not even speaking on a lot -- on this whole issue because, quite frankly, you know -- and I mentioned this in our last discussion, and I'm hoping now that we -- we're -- because we've brought it up to the City Attorneys office, you know, other ways for us to begin to address properties that need to be foreclosed. I mean, I've been in office for three years and I can't get one property closed, you know. And I have several blighted buildings and several issues in my district that are centered around foreclosure project - - I mean, buildings, and nothing has happened with them. I just don't -- right now we have the resources to really make something happen for the people in Overtown, and I just do not want to see things not happening move because of us waiting. And not saying anything about you, Madam City Attorney, but that whole -- I know Ms. Bru is reworking the whole department that's handling the whole foreclosure -related issues, andl appreciate her doing that, but in the City of Miami Page 15 Printed on 11/18/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 meantime, I've lost three years, you know. So I do respect my colleague and his opinion about, you know -- and his feeling about it. I think we all share the same sentiments, but in this particular case, I think it's extremely important for us to continue all of the efforts that we have happening on 3rd Avenue. So with that being said, I'd like to move on to item number 7, which is up next -- Mr. Villacorta: I don't know if we need to vote. Chair Spence -Jones: -- 'cause we've already -- We had a motion and a second. Ms. Burns: Madam Chair, for the clarity of our records, could you confirm the vote? We show a 2/1 vote -- Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Ms. Burns: -- with one no. Is that correct? Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Ms. Burns: Okay. Thank you, for item 6. Thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: No problem. 7. 08-01076 CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING A GRANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1,000,000, TO THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A SKATE PARK AT BISCAYNE PARK AT 150 NORTHEAST 19TH STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT HIS DISCRETION, TO DISBURSE THE GRANT FUNDS ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS OR DIRECTLY TO CITY'S VENDORS UPON PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO GENERAL COUNSEL; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM OMNI TAX INCREMENT FUND, ENTITLED "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10040.920101.883000.0000.00000. Cover Memo.pdf Financial Form.pdf Back-up.pdf Legislation.pdf Motion by Vice Chair Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 3 - Vice Chair Sarnoff, Chair Spence -Jones and Commissioner Regalado Absent: 2 - Commissioner Gonzalez and Commissioner Sanchez CRA-R-08-0057 Direction by Vice Chair Sarnoff to the Administration to contact interested sponsors for assistance with designs for the skate park; further, directing the Administration to create and provide a business plan for the skate park. City of Miami Page 16 Printed on 11/18, 2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 Chair Spence -Jones: Item number 7. James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 7 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Omni Redevelopment District Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing a grant, in an amount not to exceed $1, 000, 000, to the City of Miami for the design and construction of a skate park at Biscayne Park, at 150 Northwest 9th -- Northeast 19th Street, Miami, Florida; authorizing the executive director, at his discretion, to disburse the grants funds on a reimbursement basis or directly to City vendors upon presentation of invoices and satisfactory documentation; authorizing the executive director to execute all documents necessary for said purpose. Chair Spence -Jones: I think that we have a presentation from -- Vice Chair Sarnoff We do. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Vice Chair Sarnoff I believe we do by Parks. Chair Spence -Jones: By Parks. Well, this is going to be a great project. Vice Chair Sarnoff Is the word "cool" still in like the vernacular? Is that something that people still say? This is a pretty cool project. Chair Spence -Jones: I'm just trying to remember Biscayne Park. Is this where the existing building is for PULSE (People United to Lead the Struggle for Equality)? Vice Chair Sarnoff Yes. Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Vice Chair Sarnoff Yeah, Reverend -- yeah. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. So are they going to still be there or are you just making --? Vice Chair Sarnoff Well, there's just a very small building there. The park itself -- Chair Spence -Jones: Oh, okay. Vice Chair Sarnoff.- -- is this whole land mass. Chair Spence -Jones: Area, okay. Vice Chair Sarnoff I think it's across from Temple Israel -- Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Vice Chair Sarnoff -- if I'm not mistaken. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Edward Baker (Landscape Architect, Parks & Recreation): Commissioners -- City of Miami Page 17 Printed on 11/18/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 Chair Spence -Jones: We're ready. Mr. Baker: -- how are you? My name is Ted Baker. I'm a landscape architect in the Parks and Recreation Department. Do you all have the brochure that was --? Chair Spence -Jones: Yes, we do. Mr. Baker: Okay. Essentially, that goes into great detail on the proposal for the skate park, and what these boards reflect are some highlighted issues. If you would like, I can go through that. If you'd prefer just to look through the brochure, that's up to you. Chair Spence -Jones: I'll defer to the district Commissioner 'cause -- Vice Chair Sarnoff If you're comfortable and capable, I'd like to show it on TV (Television). Mr. Baker: Okay. Vice Chair Sarnoff I think this is a -- I got to tell you. I think this is a very cool project. Chair Spence -Jones: Can somebody from Parks -- can they just be here to kind of help him pull it down so he doesn't have to keep bending down to do that? That would be helpful. Mr. Baker: Yeah. Can you see that okay? Chair Spence -Jones: I can. I just wanted him to help you though. Mr. Baker: Okay. The first issue is the question of the need for a skate park. There are more than ten million skateboarders in the United States today, and as you may be aware, the number increases almost exponentially. It's ranked sixth in the United States in the number of participants and in its level of popularity. One in every ten teenagers owns a skateboard. About 24,000 to 30,000 Miami -Dade County teens engage in skateboarding, and the location of the particular park that's being proposed is at Northeast 19th Street between North Miami Avenue and Northeast 2nd Avenue, north of the City of Miami cemetery, east of the City of Miami fire station, west of an on -grade parking facility that serves the temple, and south of Northeast 19th Street. The size of the site is approximately 54,000 square feet, about 1.24 acres. The skate park is proposed to encompass approximately 17,000 square feet. The remaining 37,000 square feet is devoted to transitional spaces, hardscape and landscape. The cost for the proposed skate park is estimated at about $45 a square foot. That's based on information we've been able to gather from a number of skate park companies that construct these kind of facilities. The estimated cost for the total park is about $765, 000. The cost for transitional spaces, hardscape and landscape is estimated at $10 a square foot, or approximately $370, 000, so we're in the ballpark of $1 million. The transitional spaces are such things for spectators and events -- observers at various events. Accessibility. The site is accessible by public transportation that runs on North Miami Avenue, on Northeast 2nd Avenue, and on Biscayne Boulevard. Adequate parking is provided along Northeast 19th Street, which currently serves the park site. US (United States) Consumer - - there's a big issue of concern about the safety. Interestingly, the United States Consumer Safety Commission reports among the 12 to 18 cohort age group an injury rate of only .49 percent for skateboarding. That compares to 2.78 percent for football, 2.57 percent for basketball, 1.42 percent for soccer, 1.26 percent for baseball, and even .54 percent for volleyball. So per user, the rate of injury is substantially lower for skateboarding, surprisingly, frankly. Finally, preservation and protection of parks. Biscayne Skate Park will aid in reducing damage and destruction to existing parks and public spaces through their improper use. And you'll note in the brochure that you have a couple of images of what happens in our current parks because they're being inappropriately used by skateboarders. Our schedule for City of Miami Page 18 Printed on 11/18/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 construction is estimated to be about 60 days for request for qualifications, that would be firms that are experienced in building skate parks; interviewing, ranking, and selecting a firm, approximately 60 days; negotiating and Commission approval, about 90 days; design reviews and revisions, approximately 60 days; construction documents and scale model for marketing and public relation purposes, about 60 days, and construction acceptance and dedication, about 180 days, and that takes us to somewhere in March of 2010. Liability is always an issue. The State of Florida enacted 316.0085 of the State Uniform Traffic Control Code, which establishes that no government entity or public employee may be held liable to any person who voluntarily participates in skateboarding, among other sports. In addition to that, of course, anyone who would use this facility -- and it will be a controlled -access facility -- would be required to sign a consent release and a waiver of liability. And of course, for children under 18, their parents would have to execute that document. That generally gives you an overview of the proposal and the details that we've considered in developing the idea for the skate park. And I'd be happy to answer any questions that you may have. And thank you, Ralph. Chair Spence -Jones: Commissioner Regalado, you're recognized. Thank you so much. Mr. Baker: Thank you. Commissioner Regalado: Okay. I got a question. I think that this is a very good idea. I think that it's a project that needs to be done whether there or somebody else. But I just want to know if we already have national sponsors for the construction and operation of this park 'cause I haven't seen -- I read last week this, but I have not seen sponsors for this project. Mr. Baker: Are you referring to a sponsor in terms of financial support? Commissioner Regalado: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Mr. Baker: I am not aware that we have explored that opportunity. Commissioner Regalado: Okay. Then we're doing this the other way around. We should be doing this the other way around. Let me tell you something. There is a small store in District 4, just where District 4 starts, on 27th Terrace, close to 27th Avenue on that corridor, which have antiques and stores near US 1, the back facing US 1. That store is only dedicated to skateboarding. They have everything else that they can think about skateboarding. That store is very popular because there are many young people into -- and the owner of the store, a young man who is an enthusiast of the skateboarding, sent me a message, I want to talk because I want to talk to you about a skate park, and he said that he has his -- the companies that he deals with, he has already spoken, and they're willing to sponsor the construction, operation, grants, of course, in exchange for sponsorship, which is what we want for the parks. So my question is, have we contacted any national brand companies? Can we do it? Do you want me to have this young man talk to you, because he has great ideas and great contacts, and the only thing he wants is to have a park because then he can sell more. So I just want to understand if we are doing this without any sponsorship. Mr. Baker: At this stage, we have no sponsorship. Our intention all along has been to deal with the issue of naming rights, and also, if you look in the brochure we have mentioned things like competi -- national competitions and state competitions and local competitions that may exist and that we may wish to become engaged in over the course of time. All of that would be planned and addressed as we move forward. Commissioner Regalado: And I understand that and I read this, and my issue is, suppose a national brand skateboard factory company wants to buy the naming rights -- they want to pay the naming rights for the park. But they want certain specification, and as you move forward with the plans and the design and all that, if we later -- rather later than sooner we get the City of Miami Page 19 Printed on 11/18/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 sponsor, that sponsor is willing -- you know, skateboarding is a billion -dollar industry in the United States, especially in the west, and they want to move east and south. So I what I'm saying to you is that instead of moving -- I mean, moving further with the RFP (Request for Proposals) and the procurement and all that is fine, but on the design, you might have to change the design because some major national company or international company would want something, maybe a watchtower for TV (Television). You know that there is a network now for skateboarding, you know. Mr. Baker: Yes. Commissioner Regalado: So if they do want to do that, then you have to change the design. Mr. Baker: There's no design yet. Commissioner Regalado: I understand that there's no design. Juan Pascual (Assistant Director, Parks & Recreation): It's not -- Commissioner Regalado: We haven't approved it yet. But what I'm -- Mr. Pascual: IfI may -- Commissioner Regalado: -- saying is that we really need to go after the sponsors, and we might not even use the million dollar. Mr. Pascual: If I may, Commissioner. Juan Pascual, assistant director of the Parks and Recreation Department. If you have a contact person who's definitely interested in paying for the construction in exchange -- please provide it to our office and we'll -- tomorrow, we'll give them a call and we'll pursue that. That will not be a problem. As Mr. Baker was -- Commissioner Regalado: That's not a problem. It's a plus. Mr. Pascual: No, no. I'm saying -- Commissioner Regalado: It's a plus. Mr. Pascual: We will do. Typically, in the industry what they do have is naming rights. And naming rights -- and it's usually tied into events. That's usually the industry norm as it pertains to extreme sports, skate parks, and so on, but we will definitely -- you know, if there is a contact and there's someone who is interested up front on the construction end prior to -- we'll be more than happy to pursue that avenue, yes, sir. Chair Spence -Jones: Commissioner Sarnoff, you have something you want to add on? Vice Chair Sarnoff No. I mean, I'm no one to criticize. If Commissioner Regalado has someone that wants to pay for this park, I don't think the taxpayers need to, so if that's true, then, you know, we don't need to take any action. However, I don't -- can we run simultaneously? Can we approve this money -- if it turns out -- Commissioner Regalado: Yes, we can. That's what I'm saying. Vice Chair Sarnoff.- -- I know (UNINTELLIGIBLE) -- Commissioner Regalado: What I'm saying is move the process -- City of Miami Page20 Printed on 11/18/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 Vice Chair Sarnoff Right. Commissioner Regalado: -- forward, but we're doing this the other way around. Vice Chair Sarnoff Right. I -- Commissioner Regalado: I think we should approve this, and they're not going to use the million dollar like tomorrow, but we should try to get a sponsorship. I am telling you that there are companies that will be willing to pay, not only for naming right, but for sites for competitions, and this is big. The fact that you have a network already on skateboarding, it's -- it means that it's a lot of people doing this thing, and this is the teen market and the 20-plus, which is the ones that do this, have tremendous buying power. So what I'm saying to you is that, yes, move forward with this project, but we need to engage with some national brands, and we can do that through the local vendors. And you know, this guy is just willing to help because it help his business. He doesn't have a (UNINTELLIGIBLE) on it, so that's what I'm saying. Chair Spence -Jones: If -- you want to add? If could just add, I think that what Commissioner -- the comments that Commissioner Regalado, you know, are making tonight are really relevant. Andl can just tell you, for example, you know, sometimes we do move quickly on parks -related projects, and a lot of the key issues that we need to kind of address or different areas that we need to look at, we're so busy trying to get the parks done that there are other key partnerships that can be put in place to really help move the projects to the next level. Andl can give you a -- a perfect example is the Little Haiti Soccer Park, you know. Again, that was something that was on the track before I got here, and I'm sure you know that, Juan. They end up building this stadium and you know, unfortunately, there was not a lot of communication with soccer -park -related folks, and the park got built and now we're having to add on additional things because all of the right questions in the beginning were not asked, everything from the -- to the seating arrangements to whether or not there were showers in the facility. I mean, Juan, you already know, so the question -- I think the point that he's making is a very valid point that maybe we need to be looking at it from both perspectives. I do agree, however, because it is green space right now that can be operating or at least something should be going on there, and I think the skate park is a great idea, and your pictures that you have of the number of skateboarders in town and how they -- how a lot of the properties are being damaged because people just use anything to skateboard anywhere. So to give them a destination, to have a place for national competitions, to have a place to even have TV -related specials, you know, all of those things. ESPN (Entertainment and Sports Programming Network) would love it, you know. There're a lot of networks, sports -related networks that would love to be in Miami, so I do think that the concept is a great concept, but I would have to agree, you know, a lot of times we think about building stuff but not how it's going to really operate, and then that was going to be my question. Who's going to actually operate the park? Is it going to be the Parks Department? Mr. Pascual: Yes. The Parks Department will operate it. Chair Spence -Jones: And I'm going to say this. Just because from experience in the last three years -- and I'm going to make this suggestion 'cause it's actually in your district and not really in mine, that you ask for them to put together an operational plan before that park gets built, and the only reason I'm saying that is, you know, we build these beautiful, you know, facilities, and then the last question we ask after the building is built is how we're going to operate it, and then we have to figure out, okay, what changes we need to make, you know, in order to accommodate really what the industry says is important. So just giving you a little word of advice from somebody that learned it from Little Haiti Park, I would definitely, one, take the advice of Commissioner Regalado to, one, look at a partner that would make sure that whatever's put there, just like the soccer field I have there, that it's not really able to accommodate what we really need to have happen in the neighborhoods, is to really make sure that that is handled from the front end, so it needs to go hand in hand, and that's just a suggestion. City of Miami Page21 Printed on 11/18/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 Vice Chair Sarnoff No. Let me -- Chair Spence -Jones: I love the idea. I think it's great, and I think that it's going to be wonderful and it's going to attract a lot of people to the area that's not coming now. Mr. Pascual: IfI could just make one final comment. The intent of the park predominantly is to service the community and the needs that we have within the community. Our vision is, through naming rights and through sponsorships for events, to supplement the operating expenses and the maintenance and the ongoing expenses that you would have on a marketing end, you know, to do that, but the primary site and intent of that particular facility is a park that's open to the public to service the community and the needs that we're now facing in the community first and primarily, and then we can supplement those with events and with sponsorships as we move along. But if there is monies available, as the Commissioner suggested that there may be, upfront that will offset the cost of construction, well, we agree 100 percent that we should pursue those. Vice Chair Sarnoff Just -- Chair Spence -Jones: That was my only comment. Vice Chair Sarnoff -- so I learn from two more experienced Commissioners than me, what I'd like you to do, Juan -- and by the way, I think you've done a great job on this, and the reason this all came about was really through Margaret Pace Park, which was getting heavily abused from skateboarders, but what I'd like to make sure you do is first you contact whoever it is Commissioner Regalado has in mind and see, at the very inception stage, what their design or what they believe in a park of this nature should look like, who might -- Commissioner Regalado: That's what I'm saying. Vice Chair Sarnoff -- make the commitments financially to help build that park, and if that works out, great; and if it doesn't and it turns into more of a naming right issue, where they say build what you want or build a third of it to look like this, then your naming right, that's fine. I want to make sure that before you go ahead, you show me a business plan. I think Commissioner Spence -Jones is right on that because I'd like to know how it is we intend on paying for this, what are the offsets, what are the potential offsets, how many more Park personnel are needed to staff this, how is that going to fit in your budget, what -- and I know Commissioner Regalado likes to know this all the time -- are we going to charge the youth in Miami for the use of that park. Are we going to charge the youth of Miami for the use of that park? So if you could get that to me -- I have no criticism of anyone. Every suggestion here is a valid suggestion, and you know what? Let's get it right at the inception, versus right at the midway point. So, you know, I'm -- I can move this along 'cause I think it's a good thing, and I think in the day and the time we find ourselves, in the dollars that we find ourselves, I don't think someone's going to build this for us. I do have high hopes that someone's going to give us some great advice on what it needs to look like, and I have some really great high hopes that some company comes in and names it and maybe gets -- we get a hundred thousand a year, or whatever you think is the just and right amount of money for the naming right for this park. Having lived for a little bit in Crested Butte, Colorado, I watched the extreme games there, and I know that this was part of their extreme games, and the naming rights were off the chart there. Chair Spence -Jones: Yeah, I know. Vice Chair Sarnoff Now they were a little more affluent and it was a couple years ago when money was a little less tight, but let's do the best we can. City of Miami Page22 Printed on 11/18/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 Chair Spence -Jones: So we do have a -- do we have a motion on this item? Pamela E. Burns (Assistant Clerk of the Board): No. We don't have a motion on this item. Vice Chair Sarnoff So moved. Chair Spence -Jones: We have a -- Commissioner Regalado: Second. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. All in favor? Commissioner Regalado: And then Fred wanted to say something, I think? Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Fred, would you like to put something on the record? Okay. Can we get the vote out -- or do you want Fred to put his --? Commissioner Regalado: It's up to you. Chair Spence -Jones: Let's get the vote handled and then any recommendations we can add, but you still have recommendations that you need to also let -- Commissioner Regalado: Okay. Chair Spence -Jones: -- the Parks Department -- So we had a motion and second. All in favor? The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Spence -Jones: The item passes, and just two recommendations that were made. We have those duly noted Jim and Pam, regarding the issue of what steps need to be taken -- not before. I guess you want them to happen -- Vice Chair Sarnoff They can be done simultaneous. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay, cool. I'm sorry, Fred. Go ahead. Fred Joseph: Thank you. Fred Joseph, Omni Advisory Board. As far as the neighbors, I'm sure that we'll have some hearings from the synagogue and things in the area, and I think they'll be well placed. My only concern is if this is going to be manned, and if it is going to be manned, is it going to be locked down in certain hours as you would have on a swimming pool or something where they have to be governed properly? The other item is I think we're kidding ourselves as far as destruction. We have to clamp down and put out big notices where people can go skate if this park is built. The youth of America doesn't always read a sign or see where it's at. We don't have a junior high, high school, or an elementary school in that Omni area that you're looking to put this in, but I do think it will draw a great crowd, but again, funding for operation and how is it going to be governed in hours. Thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you, Fred. All right. 8. 08-01230 CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. CRA-R-08-0045; AUTHORIZING A GRANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $25,000, TO MIAMI-DADE City of Miami Page23 Printed on 11/18/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 COLLEGE TO PROVIDE TRAINING TO RESTAURANTS IN THE REDEVELOPMENT AREA; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AT HIS DISCRETION, TO DISBURSE THE GRANT ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS OR DIRECTLY TO VENDORS UPON PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO GENERAL COUNSEL; FUNDS TO BE ALLOCATED FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, ENTITLED "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000. Cover Memo.pdf Financial Form.pdf Back-up.pdf Legislation.pdf Motion by Vice Chair Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 3 - Vice Chair Sarnoff, Chair Spence -Jones and Commissioner Regalado Absent: 2 - Commissioner Gonzalez and Commissioner Sanchez CRA-R-08-0058 Direction by Chair Spence -Jones to the Interim Executive Director to identify and provide the name of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) staff person who will be responsible for coordinating the business enhancement projects in the CRA area and to provide a report at the next CRA meeting currently scheduled for November 24, 2008. Chair Spence -Jones: So we're going to move on to item number 8. James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 8 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency rescinding Resolution CRA-08-0045, which had authorized a grant to Johnson & Wales, and it in turn authorizes a grant, in an amount not to exceed 25,000, to Miami Dade College, to provide training to restaurants in the redevelopment area; and authorizes the executive director to disburse the grant on a reimbursement basis or directly to vendors upon satisfactory invoices and documentation. Vice Chair Sarnoff. So move. Commissioner Regalado: Second. Chair Spence -Jones: We have a motion and second. All in favor? The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Spence -Jones: This item passes. And Ms. Jean Westall is here from the Hospitality Institute, and -- at Bethel AME (African Methodist Episcopal), which has been going great, and now it's officially a part of the -- actually, the Miami Dade College. I saw Charles Cutler. I don't know where he went. Okay. I just see -- I can't see your face. I just see your hand. And now we're expanding this program to include providing training to restaurants in the area so that they have assistance, and this will be taking place one a month at Jackson Soul Food, and this will start in the first quarter, correct? Mr. Villacorta: Yes, in the first quarter. Actually, it's twice a week for the first four weeks, and City of Miami Page 24 Printed on 11/18, 2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 then once a month for the next 11 months to teach the restaurant personnel customer service, front of house, back of house, and -- Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Villacorta: -- other technical aspects. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. We just need to make sure every restaurant, every hospitality -driven business actually goes through these trainings and these workshops before we provide any additional resources to them. We think it's extremely important in order for them to be sustainable for them to be trained properly, especially as the area -- reinvesting back into the area. And I just want to make one other note. Jim, I'd like for you to provide for me the next CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) meeting, the staffer that's going to be focused on all of our business enhancement projects, not just in the Overtown area, but in the CRA area. I really want to have a clear understanding as to who on your staff is going to be not only addressing the businesses in the Overtown area -- and I know that Overtown has, you know, needed a lot of help and is finally getting the help, but the businesses surrounding the Performing Arts Center, the businesses that are actually by the -- in the Omni area. All of those businesses also need help. They may not need as much help, but they need help, and I really think that you need to have one person identified to really focus on those businesses. So if you can make sure you bring a report on how you're going to handle that for the next meeting, I would greatly -- Mr. Villacorta: Definitely. Chair Spence -Jones: -- appreciate it. Mr. Villacorta: Definitely. Chair Spence -Jones: All right. 9. 08-01223 CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING A GRANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000, TO NEW WASHINGTON HEIGHTS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE, INC. FOR PRODUCTION OF "FOLKLIFE FRIDAYS," A MONTHLY OPEN-AIR MARKET TO BE HELD FOR SIX CONSECUTIVE MONTHS, ON THE 9TH STREET PEDESTRIAN MALL; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AT HIS DISCRETION, TO DISBURSE THE GRANT ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS OR DIRECTLY TO VENDORS UPON PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS FOR SAID PURPOSE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO GENERAL COUNSEL; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, ENTITLED "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000. Cover Memo.pdf Financial Form.pdf Back-up.pdf Legislation.pdf Motion by Vice Chair Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. City of Miami Page 25 Printed on 11/18, 2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 Votes: Ayes: 3 - Vice Chair Sarnoff, Chair Spence -Jones and Commissioner Regalado Absent: 2 - Commissioner Gonzalez and Commissioner Sanchez CRA-R-08-0059 Chair Spence -Jones: Let's move on to item number 9. James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 9 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing a grant, in an amount not to exceed $50, 000, to New Washington Heights Community Development Conference, Inc., for production of "Folklife Fridays," a monthly open-air market to be held for six consecutive months on the 9th Street Pedestrian Mall in Overtown; authorizing the executive director, at his discretion, to disburse the grant on a reimbursement basis or directly to vendors upon presentation of invoices and satisfactory documentation; authorizing the executive director to execute all documents necessary for said purpose. Chair Spence -Jones: Is there anything else you want to add on it? And this is an event that's going to take place every first Friday. We're starting it in December around the holiday season, and it will take -- kick back off in January, I guess, after the holidays, and this is very similar to what they're doing in all the other areas. I think you have an open market in Upper Eastside and something in the West Grove. I know there's -- in Calle Ocho, last Fridays, and the idea is to kind of get the working people that actually work in the transit building or the Miami -Dade County building that really have nowhere now to go for lunch to, hopefully, come downstairs and eat right there on the plaza. And then there's just two apartment buildings that are right across the street, and the idea is to try to, one, get those people to come out, support the businesses that are in the area, but also to expose the businesses to other people to hopefully help expand their existing businesses. Loren -- I believe we also have Jackie -- where's Jackie Bell? Okay. I can't see all the way back. Ms. Bell has been working along with the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) staff to pull this off. Are -- do you guys have any questions on this overall item? Everything is reimbursable. It means they have to submit actual invoices. Mr. Villacorta: Right. We have a project budget for the six-month -- broken down by month of what the expenses will be, the Fire, Police, Solid Waste, insurance, marketing -- Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Villacorta: -- tents. Chair Spence -Jones: And this falls in your redevelopment plan, correct? Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: And the Overtown CRA's -- Mr. Villacorta: Section 3B, page 13, lists restoring a sense of community and uniing the area (UNINTELLIGIBLE) as a stated objective of the plan. The series of open-air events on the 9th Street Pedestrian Mall furthers this objective. Commissioner Regalado: Okay. Chair Spence -Jones: Sure. Commissioner Regalado. Commissioner Regalado: I think it's a great idea. I think that we should ask the County, see if they can help us with flyers on the different floors of 111 Northwest 1st Street, announcing the City of Miami Page26 Printed on 11/18/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 First Friday, and then on -- you know, it's word of mouth, but it's important to get the word out, number one, to the County building, to the Juvenile Justice building, two, the State of Florida, HRS (Health and Rehabilitative Services) building, and even if we have to take a little, you know, petty cash or more money to print these flyers and have NET (Neighborhood Enhancement Team) and CRA because -- you see, once that the First Friday is a success, then it would be, you know, the water cooler thing of conversation. Oh, I went to this, great food. I bought some fake jewelry, you know. And the thing is that the more people, the less the perception of problem in the area. If we're able to bring 300, 400, 500 for lunch between 11 and 3 o'clock, say, and you know, now it's -- in December, it gets dark very fast, but by 5, you know, if you want to take out some food or something like that, that would create the perception that this is the place to go, exactly like it has happened in Southwest 8th Street. I mean, on any given Thursday, people are afraid to walk on Southwest 8th Street, but on -- Mr. Villacorta: Cultural Fridays. Commissioner Regalado: -- Fridays, on the last Friday of the month, people are not afraid to go because there are people, there are lights, there are, you know, movement, so what I'm telling you is that we are investing in this and this is a good investment, but we need to get the cooperation of the state with the HRS building, of the County with the 111 building. I mean, even throughout the area because if we get several hundred people on the first day, then it's a complete success. So I think and I hope that the County will let us use, you know, their facilities to deliver the flyers or something like that. I don't know if they have to do it through security or something. Mr. Villacorta: Well, we've met with some people at Transit; they seem supportive of having this event, and we'll certainly reach out to the County to help in the marketing. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Do you want to add anything on this? Okay. Ms. Bell, I don't know if you want to officially add anything on this, but Commissioner Sarnoff could actually be really helpful too because I know that he launched off the Green Marketplace, but yours is every Saturday. I don't know if there's some challenges 'cause I know in anything that you do for the first time, it's not as easy as it appears to be, but if there's anything -- any key things that you could at least put on the record for Ms. Bell and the group that's organizing it would be helpful. Vice Chair Sarnoff You know, we're about to do an overlay in our district and we're getting a second market. With that, we're being faced with some people who think we're overextending ourselves, so I -- the first one we did worked out great. It happened to have been by a park, and I don't think there's been much criticism of that at all. With the second market, we are facing some criticism because we have a historic building -- I don't think you'll have that issue -- and that historic building appears to be going -- undergoing some changes that may not be attendant to historic properties. You know, my feeling on markets -- I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and Ocean Avenue and Nostrand Avenue were two streets that we didn't know they were called markets; it was just where all the consuming happened. There were no great, big grocery stores and everybody had a fruit stand, a vegetable stand, a butcher shop, and I -- it was just the way of life. Everybody had a -- you know, it's funny. We're more green then than we are today 'cause everybody had a shopping cart, one of those pull things that you see mostly, I guess, older women associated with it today, and everybody walked up and down the street and got to meet everybody and conversed, and I think that's lost in modern life. I think we've lost that component. And what's odd about the whole thing to me is it's actually greener, if you will, back then than it is -- than we are today because it's people walking -- number one, you're not in your car. You're out there enjoying the products of local merchants and local artists. If you can bring a food component to it that, you know, maintains itself well, people really enjoy, especially for the seven or eight months of the year that we're here, pretty nice weather like -- Chair Spence -Jones: Yeah. City of Miami Page27 Printed on 11/18/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 Vice Chair Sarnoff.- -- today. People want to be outside, especially County employees, especially City employees. You know, they get a full lunch break. They really want to be outside, so I think it's a great idea. Just do a nice food component to it, and I think you'll get people there. A little bit of music and a little bit of food, and the next thing you know, you have a party atmosphere. Chair Spence -Jones: Ms. Bell, do you want to put anything on the record? Jackie Bell: I just want to say that Overtown -- Chair Spence -Jones: Put your name -- Ms. Bell: Oh, I apologize. Chair Spence -Jones: It's okay. Ms. Bell: My name is Jackie Bell, 1600 Northwest 3rd Avenue. Some of you know me well, especially Commissioner Regalado. I haven't met you personally, but congratulations that you're here, and we hope you're here for a long time and especially if you're going to support things for Overtown, as we support for you in -- Chair Spence -Jones: He represents Overtown too now so -- Ms. Bell: Yeah. No -- Chair Spence -Jones: He has a -- Vice Chair Sarnoff I got my two blocks. Ms. Bell: And our Commissioner is doing a heck of a job. But Overtown have been neglected for so long. This is such a beautiful, beautiful mall, and to leave it and not do something with it is criminal. And thank you, Commissioner, and we hope that you all come on the 5th and join with us in celebrating the whole two days that we're going to be out there because it is really something to see that we're now making a gigantic difference, and the people in my community really and truly deserves to be treated well because we have not been treated well, and I can say that because I am a native, okay, and my family been there for years. So thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you, Ms. Bell. And Hilda -- I just want to acknowledge Hilda Tejera, which [sic] has been pulling together a lot of these activities for -- you know, all the main things with Ms. Bell to make sure that they come off really well for the First Friday event. I just want to make sure that Loren -- I don't know where Loren -- just -- I'm sure he's around here - - works along with this group to make sure that as many Overtown businesses, whether or not they be, you know, arts and crafts, whether or not they be food vendors -- we want to make sure that we get as many people out to support or be supported with this whole concept. So I just want to try to encourage that to make sure that that happens as a part of it. That's the big part of - - the big component of all of this. And also, to my fellow Commissioners, just so that you know and you'll be getting official notice, we will have the grand opening for 3rd Avenue as a part of the big celebration on the 5th and 6th, the 5th being the open marketplace, and then the ribbon -cutting being that after -- early that morning. And then on that Saturday is an event on 3rd Avenue for the entire community. So a lot of things are happening in Overtown and people are very happy to see the businesses and things transforming right in front of them, so I just want to tell you thank you for those things. We're going to move on to item -- Oh, we had a motion. Do we have a motion? City of Miami Page28 Printed on 11/18/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 Pamela E. Burns (Assistant Clerk of the Board, : No, Madam Chair. We need a motion. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Do I have a motion? Vice Chair Sarnoff So move. Commissioner Regalado: Second. Chair Spence -Jones: All in favor? The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Spence -Jones: All right. This item passes. DISCUSSION ITEMS 10. 08-01245 CRA DISCUSSION DISCUSSION REGARDING ART BASEL 2008. Cover Memo.pdf MOTION Direction by Chair Spence -Jones to the Interim Executive Director to provide transportation to the Art Basel events for the children who attend schools in the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) areas. A motion was made by Vice Chair Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, and was passed unanimously, with Commissioners Gonzalez and Sanchez absent, to direct the Interim Executive Director to select events in Omni and Southeast Overtown/Park West in support of Art Basel, and to bring the events back for ratification at the December Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting. Chair Spence -Jones: And we move on to item number 10. We don't have 11 and 12. James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Right. Chair Spence -Jones: Item number 10 is basically a discussion item. Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. Item number 10 is a discussion regarding Art Basel 2008. In the past, the Boards of the Southeast Overtown/Park West and Omni Redevelopment District Community Redevelopment Agencies have authorized grants to underwrite events in the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) redevelopment areas in conjunction with the annual Art Basel events. We've been doing this since 2004, and what we typically do is put an ad advertising a call to artists, and then select an event, and the Board ratifies the grants. Currently, this year in our budget we have $50, 000 authorized -- or budgeted for each CRA, and I guess the discussion would be whether we want to, in Overtown, include part of that as part of the 3rd Avenue grand opening, which will be occurring the same week Art Basel is, from December 4 through 7th this year. And we will be unveiling a Purvis Young mural on the 11 th Street Metrorail overpass, and you know, I'm sure you would want to have some promotion for that. If it's the will of the Board, I can put out the advertisements for artists to propose events for Art Basel in Omni and in Overtown. Chair Spence -Jones: IfI could just make a suggestion, Commissioner Sarnoff. I know in the Overtown area, we definitely want -- Purvis, of course, is -- I'm sure you know who Purvis Young is, who's done so much for not just artists in the Overtown area but just artists period across the City of Miami Page29 Printed on 11/18/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 world. I know, as a part of our unveiling and to make sure we have something signature left, you know, on 3rd Avenue with Purvis's name, we're actually -- we've already funded that mural actually going up. It is considered a mural, right? That's a good question. Mr. Villacorta: Not an advertising mural. Chair Spence -Jones: Is it a mural? Vice Chair Sarnoff.. Yeah. I think -- didn't we put -- did we put an exception in there for art in the mural ordinance? I think we did. I know we were intending to. Chair Spence -Jones: I just thought about it. So that's not an issue, right? Mr. Villacorta: And it's on Metro [sic) Dade's property, so I'm not sure -- Chair Spence -Jones: So it doesn't matter. Mr. Villacorta: -- what control we have over that Metrorail right-of-way. Chair Spence -Jones: So I would like to see from that committee's perspective we do something around Purvis as a part of the whole Art Basel experience, along with the Black Archives and whatever community groups are working on that on that side. But I do want to mention to at least Commissioner Sarnoff -- I know there was a huge, big exhibit -- I don't know if you participated last year -- that happened in your district, and I don't know the young man that did it last year. What was his name? Mr. Villacorta: We had George Sanchez in the Omni with a -- Chair Spence -Jones: It was called -- it was a big show that you had in your district last year. Casa -- Vice Chair Sarnoff Oh, Casa -- Mr. Villacorta: Casa Decor. Vice Chair Sarnoff.. -- Decor. Was that it? Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. Chair Spence -Jones: I think it was Casa Decor. Hilda, are you here? Unidentified Speaker: No. She left. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. I think it's Casa Decor, and I know that they do something big every year, and I don't know if you would want to -- you could reach out to somebody else, but it just seems that's a huge show -- Vice Chair Sarnoff Right. Chair Spence -Jones: -- and it really attracts a lot of people, and I think he relies on -- Vice Chair Sarnoff Are they -- do you know if they're doing it this year? Are they -- Bert Gonzalez: Bert Gonzalez, Commissioner Sarnoffs staff. It is my understanding from attending other -- the 9th Street Promenade opening, that the owner or principal of Casa Decor, City of Miami Page 30 Printed on 11/18/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 and I forget his name right now, has come to an agreement with a local landowner for a building situated, I believe, close to 12th Street, and they're in the process of remodeling and making it at least five to ten-year permanent site for Casa Decor. Chair Spence -Jones: See. Vice Chair Sarnoff That's my understanding. Chair Spence -Jones: So that means -- Mr. Gonzalez: Any questions? Vice Chair Sarnoff I have no problem reaching out, but I think what Bert is saying is they're intending on being here permanently, and they're going to be year-round. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Vice Chair Sarnoff But I hear what you're saying, and I did go to it last year, actually -- Chair Spence -Jones: It was great. Vice Chair Sarnoff -- and you're right, it was packed with people. Chair Spence -Jones: I just -- you know, Art Basel -- I mean, this is the only time it hits the CRA, so it's -- to me, I just think it's a very positive thing. It's really up to you, though, how you want to handle it for your area, which you just -- Vice Chair Sarnoff You want to work through that direction? Mr. Villacorta: Sure. Usually, what the Board had done was that we put out -- direct me to put out a call to artists, and then we run it through the City's film and promotion department. We usually ask for Art Basel -listed events, though we may want to relax that requirement a little this year. It seems that Art Basel being scaled down -- but in conjunction with Art Basel. Vice Chair Sarnoff Is it being scaled down this year? Mr. Villacorta: That's what I've heard. I -- Chair Spence -Jones: I think this is their last year here. Commissioner Regalado: No, no, no, no. What happened is that the main -- Mr. Villacorta: Sponsor. Commissioner Regalado: -- sponsor, which is the biggest Swiss bank, had to be bailed out by -- Chair Spence -Jones: Oh. Commissioner Regalado: -- the Swiss government -- Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Commissioner Regalado: -- and they are downsizing their -- Mr. Villacorta: Support. City of Miami Page 31 Printed on 11/18/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 Commissioner Regalado: -- sponsorship. And my next question -- or my first question was going to be, well, is 50,000 enough to keep the same people that we had last year since they are downsizing their sponsorship? And of course, while they downsize, it means that they will not be paying for some of the things that they pay. Mr. Villacorta: Actually, our -- last year, even though $37, 500 was authorized from each CRA, we spent 27 in Omni -- Chair Spence -Jones: We never spend it all. Mr. Villacorta: -- and 7,000 in Overtown, so -- Commissioner Regalado: So -- Chair Spence -Jones: We never spend it all. Mr. Villacorta: We haven't -- we've always come in -- Commissioner Regalado: No, I understand. Mr. Villacorta: -- under the budget. Commissioner Regalado: And I'm not saying we should like take the responsibility of the sponsorship, but what I'm saying is that we need to find out what are they downsizing so we can take it on so we can bring more or less the same -- Chair Spence -Jones: Oh, I got you. Commissioner Regalado: -- people -- Chair Spence -Jones: Caliber. Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. Commissioner Regalado: -- and keep the momentum because if they downsize and we downsize, then it's going to die down. It's going to be the Orange Bowl Parade, the sequel, you know. Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Commissioner Regalado: So if we have this Art Basel, which is the pride and joy of South Florida, and the CRAs are part of it, it's important that we understand what is their issues that they are downsizing in the area, and hopefully, they would not downsize on us but it will be even Miami Beach, you know. Chair Spence -Jones: So I mean, I guess the recommendation is for you to go back, do your research. If there's somebody from Commissioner Sarnoffs district that -- Casa Decor, or whoever's doing it, then I guess you guys will communicate. Go 'head [sic] and put your call out Mr. Villacorta: Okay. Chair Spence -Jones: -- on that -- on both anyway, but I -- I'm just making this suggestion for the Overtown area 'cause we already have the Folklife Festival stuff going on and we are already honoring Purvis as a part of it, and most of our support would be -- from the community's City of Miami Page 32 Printed on 11/18/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 perspective would really be to help market and promote the fact that this stuff is going on. And if there's any way -- and I don't know how you guys feel about this -- I would like, especially with Casa Decor 'cause it was such a big show -- at least the kids that are in our districts in the CRA, if nothing else, we are able to at least provide them with transportation to go and see the show, like the kids from Phyllis Wheatley, Douglass, Dunbar, all of the -- any schools that fall within the CRA, every kid should have an opportunity to experience the arts, and that's a great way to do it. We didn't do it last year, and a lot of those -- I think those kids could really benefit out of actually going to see the shows, even if it's just one day, you know, the CRAs, as a part of their sponsorship. Mr. Villacorta: So it would be a direction to the executive director to -- Commissioner Regalado: To spend the money. Mr. Villacorta: -- yeah, select an event in Omni and Overtown for Art -- in support of Art Basel and to bring that back for ratification -- Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Mr. Villacorta: -- at the December meeting. Chair Spence -Jones: December -- Commissioner Regalado: What I'm saying is -- Chair Spence -Jones: -- or November meeting? Mr. Villacorta: Well, the artists need to get their exhibits together and know that they're funded Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Villacorta: -- in November -- Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Villacorta: -- in time for the Art Basel event. In Omni, I can work with the -- Commissioner Sarnoff's office, and in Southeast Overtown, well work with your office and bring those -- Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Villacorta: -- items back for ratification. Vice Chair Sarnoff That's fine. Commissioner Regalado: Well, the last years we were like a tail to the Art Basel. Chair Spence -Jones: I know. Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Commissioner Regalado: But now, since they have problems, we can set some rules 'cause we have the money. Chair Spence -Jones: Speak, Jim. You -- City of Miami Page 33 Printed on 11/18/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 Mr. Villacorta: Yeah, typically -- Chair Spence -Jones: -- look like you swallowed a turkey or something. Mr. Villacorta: -- what happens is the -- we put out a call to artists. They have gotten themselves listed as an Art Basel event, but they haven't secured all of the funding they need. They come to us and make up the balance of that funding or -- you know, so we're -- we don't completely fund the exhibit that they're putting on; we support it. This year in Overtown, we might want to relax that requirement that they be an Art Basel -listed event. In Omni, we'll -- we can work with the district Commissioner's office to see what they think would be an appropriate event, and it might not necessarily have to be listed in the Art Basel listing, which is a difficult process for local artists to -- Vice Chair Sarnoff Are you -- Mr. Villacorta: -- gain access. Vice Chair Sarnoff -- asking right now for a sum of money, or are we just --? Chair Spence -Jones: It's already in the budget. He was just saying -- Mr. Villacorta: This amount of money is in the budget. What I'm asking for is authority to work with the two Commission offices to have the events and then bring them back for ratification if we cannot get the authorization in time for the November meeting. Vice Chair Sarnoff.- So move. Commissioner Regalado: Second. Chair Spence -Jones: All in favor? The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Spence -Jones: All right. This item -- it wasn't an item, but this item officially passes. Mr. Villacorta: Okay. 11. 08-01231 CRA PRESENTATION PRESENTATION BY PBS&J INTERNATIONAL, INC. ON PROJECTED CRA CAPITAL PROJECTS. Cover Memo.pdf CONTINUED 12. 08-01160 CRA DISCUSSION DISCUSSION BY BERCOW & RADELL, & FERNANDEZ, P.A. REGARDING SEOPW DRI AND ("FAR") RIGHTS. Cover Memo.pdf CONTINUED NON -AGENDA ITEMS City of Miami Page 34 Printed on 11/18/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes November 3, 2008 NA.1 08-01319 CRA DISCUSSION DISCUSSION REGARDING A BUSINESS DIRECTORY FOR THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCIES. DISCUSSED Direction by Chair Spence -Jones to the Interim Executive Director to provide a report regarding the creation of a business directory for the three Community Redevelopment Agencies, Southeast Overtown/Park West, Omni, and Midtown. Chair Spence -Jones: I just want you to just add on there, you know -- not -- for the next CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) meeting, I really would like to see a directory of all of the businesses in really all the CRAB. We've never done one of those. I think it's extremely important for the restaurants -- a restaurant guide, something that talks about the businesses that are in all three CR -- and services. So I'd like for you to come back with some sort of report on that if you can. James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Okay. Chair Spence -Jones: All right. Just wanted to remind -- we have the Midtown -- Vice Chair Sarnoff CRA. Chair Spence -Jones: -- CRA that we're going to -- first, we're going to officially adjourn this one, right. So this meeting's officially adjourned, correct? Do I say all in favor? Pamela E. Burns (Assistant Clerk of the Board): That's correct. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. All in favor? The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Spence -Jones: All right. And now we want to -- Vice Chair Sarnoff.- Midtown. Chair Spence -Jones: -- right, Midtown. City of Miami Page 35 Printed on 11/18/2008